Since most dentists are now adhering to new American Dental Association guidelines by providing only emergency dental care, they have more time and resources to help fight COVID-19, Dean Cecile A. Feldman says. By volunteering a few days a week, they can continue to treat emergency dental cases but also help out in this time of extraordinary need.

As confirmed cases of COVID-19 skyrocket in New Jersey and across the nation, there will be a critical shortage of doctors and nurses to treat hospitalized patients. In fact, it’s already happening. In Bergen County, New Jersey’s epicenter of the virus, hospital staff are struggling as more become quarantined or ill.

In states hit hardest by the pandemic — including New York State, which has more than 5% of the world’s cases — leaders have urged retired healthcare professionals to step in as hospitals brace for an overwhelming influx of patients.

Some officials have also asked dentists to answer the call. In New Jersey and beyond, they must be prepared. As our healthcare system plummets toward overload, it’s time for all hands on deck. Every type of healthcare professional will be needed to volunteer. Dentists, especially, have medical knowledge and skills that could prove invaluable in the days ahead.

There are over 7,000 licensed dentists in New Jersey, many of whom have completed hospital-based residency programs — although that should not be a prerequisite to volunteer. They are highly trained health professionals who can be easily retrained to provide needed services. There are also thousands of hygienists and assistants, all of whom are experienced in environments where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

At the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where I am dean, our faculty and student providers are trained to treat patients holistically, which includes screening for conditions that are high-risk for COVID-19: diabetes, heart disease, HIV and other factors. Treatment is tailored to their needs. We also provide special care to geriatric patients, another high-risk group.

Since most dentists are now adhering to new American Dental Association guidelines by providing only emergency dental care, they have more time and resources to help fight COVID-19. By volunteering a few days a week, they can continue to treat emergency dental cases but also help out in this time of extraordinary need.

Emergency regulations are swiftly being enacted to allow as many providers as possible to fill ever-widening gaps. Last week, the Trump administration announced measures that would allow doctors to practice across state lines. In New York State, where there were more than 25,000 cases as of March 24, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an emergency order requiring hospitals to increase capacity by at least 50%. More than 30,000 retired doctors and health care professionals have responded to the state’s plea for volunteer services and protective gear.

Dentists are among the many healthcare professionals donating PPE to fill a dire shortage, including those from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. But we can do more. As of Feb. 26, half of those exposed to COVID-19 cases were healthcare workers. That number will continue to grow, especially now that the shortage of protective gear has increased their risk of exposure.

As the pandemic spreads and multiplies, doctors and nurses will work long, exhausting hours filled with physical and psychological stress. Those who are ill or exposed will spend weeks away from their jobs. They will need an army of providers in reserve, ready to join the battle despite the risks.

Dentists and other oral healthcare professionals are able to offer relief and support. Now, they must be ready and willing.

Cecile A. Feldman, DMD, MBA, is the dean of the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.